Quantization parameter signaling

ABSTRACT

A quantization parameter signalling mechanism for both SDR and HDR content in video coding is described using two approaches. The first approach is to send the user-defined Qpc table directly in high level syntax. This leads to more flexible and efficient QP control for future codec development and video content coding. The second approach is to signal luma and chroma QPs independently. This approach eliminates the need for Qpc tables and removes the dependency of chroma quantization parameter on luma QP.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. National stage of PCT Application Ser. No. PCT/US2020/034758, filed on May 27, 2020, which claims priority to the United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/853,352, filed on 28 May 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is related to deriving and signaling quantization parameters when encoding video signals, and more particularly to methods, apparatus, computer program and computer program-based device for deriving and signaling of luma and/or chroma quantization parameters of the video signal.

BACKGROUND

The quantization parameter (QP) is one type of parameter used in the video bitstream to adjust quality and bitrate. In general, a lower QP value, set during encoding, results in a higher quality of the encoded video at the expense of a required higher number of consumed bits, with a QP of 0 meaning no quantization. On the other hand, for a higher value of QP, the quality of the encoded video is lower and fewer bits are consumed. Additionally, a decoder uses QP values when reconstructing video content from the encoded video.

Versatile Video Coding (VVC) is a standard being developed by the Joint Video Exploration Team (JVET) that will code both Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR) content. In the current (2019) VVC specification, signaling of quantization parameters for luma and chroma components are treated in different ways.

For the luma component, a delta Quantization Parameter (QP), meaning the difference between consecutive quantization parameter values, is signaled and added to the initial QP values for each slice.

For chroma, the chroma quantization parameter (Qpc) is derived from the luma QP with chroma offset value (qPi) using a chroma quantization parameter table. By way of example, FIG. 1 shows a table (100) containing different values of Qpc as a function of the luma quantization parameter with chroma offset, qPi. The data shown in table (100) correspond to a certain chroma format. According to the VVC standard, the chroma format is based on the variable chroma_format_idc ranging from 0 to 3. Table (100) corresponds to a chroma_format_idc value of 1, representing the chroma format (4:2:0).

Table (100) of FIG. 1 is inherited from the High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard and designed only for SDR content. However, when HDR Perceptual Quantization (PQ) content was first studied in JCT-VC, it was concluded that the default SDR Qpc table is not suitable for HDR content because it results in chroma artifacts at low bitrate, especially in achromatic regions. Consequently, non-normative encoder optimization using a variable called ChromaQPOffset was introduced in the HDR Common Test Conditions (CTC) for HDR PQ content. Indicating in general a difference from a luma QP value, ChromaQPOffset is signaled in the picture parameter set (PPS), which means that a constant value is used based on the input QP. However, there are cases in which QP varies over a picture and this cannot be handled by a constant offset.

In the first version of HEVC, there were distinct QP offsets for each of the two chroma components at the slice level. However, at the Coding unit (CU) level, delta QP was applied to all three components with chroma also going through a mapping table based on luma QP. In the Range Extensions (Rext) version, separate chroma QP control was introduced at the CU level through chroma QP offset lists specified for Cb and Cr, respectively.

Quantization Parameter Derivation in the Current WC Standard

In this process, the luma quantization parameter Qp′_(Y) and the chroma quantization parameters Qp′_(Cb) and Qp′_(Cr) . are derived. The initial value of the luma quantization parameter Qpy for the slice is derived as:

SliceQp _(Y)=26+init_qp_minus26+slice_qp_delta

qP_(Y_PREV) represents the previous luma quantization parameter for current coding unit. qP_(Y_PREV) is set equal to SliceQp_(Y) if the current quantization group is the first quantization group in a slice or brick. Otherwise, qP_(Y_PREV) is set equal to the luma quantization parameter Qp_(Y) of the last luma coding unit in the previous quantization group in decoding order.

qP_(Y_PRED) represents the predicted luma quantization parameter for current coding unit. If the current quantization group is the first quantization group in a CTB row within a brick and the top coding unit is available, set qP_(Y_PRED) to be Qp_(Y) of the top CU, otherwise,

qP _(Y_PRED)=(qP _(Y_A) +qP _(Y_B)+1)>>1

where qP_(Y_A) is set to be qP_(Y_PREV) if the left coding block is not the first coding block in the left quantization group or if the left coding block is not available; qP_(Y_B) is set to be qP_(Y_PREV) if the top coding block is not the first coding block in the top quantization group or if the top coding block is not available.

The variable Qp_(Y) for each coding unit is derived as follows:

Qp _(Y)=((qP _(Y_PRED)+CuQpDeltaVal+64+2*QpBdOffset_(Y))%(64+QpBdOffset_(Y)))−QpBdOffset_(Y)

CuQpDeltaVal is specified with cu_qp_delta_abs and cu_qp_delta_sign_flag at the transform unit layer.

The luma quantization parameter Qp′_(Y) is derived as follows:

Qp′ _(Y) =Qp _(Y) +QpBdOffset _(Y)

When ChromaArrayType is not equal to 0 and treeType is SINGLE_TREE or DUAL_TREE_CHROMA, the following applies:

-   -   When treeType is equal to DUAL_TREE_CHROMA, the variable Qpy is         set equal to the luma quantization parameter Qpy of the current         luma coding unit that covers the luma location (xCb+cbWidth/2,         yCb+cbHeight/2).     -   The variables qP_(Cb) and qP_(Cr) are derived as follows:

qPi_(Cb)=Clip3(−QpBdOffset_(C), 69, Qp _(Y)+pps_cb_qp_offset+slice_cb_qp_offset)

qPi_(Cb)=Clip3(−QpBdOffset_(C), 69, Qp _(Y)+pps_cr_qp_offset+slice_cr_qp_offset)

-   -   If ChromaArrayType is equal to 1, the variables qP_(Cb) and         qP_(Cr) are set equal to the value of Qp_(C) as specified in         Table 1 (shown again below for convenience) based on the index         qPi equal to qPi_(Cb) and qPi_(Cr), respectively.     -   Otherwise, the variables qP_(Cb) and qP_(Cr) are set equal to         Min(qPi, 63), based on the index qPi equal to qPi_(Cb) and         qPi_(Cr), respectively.     -   The chroma quantization parameters for the Cb and Cr, Qp′_(Cb)         and Qp′_(Cr), are derived as follows:

Qp′ _(Cb) =qP _(Cb) +QpBdOffset_(C)

Qp′ _(Cr) =qP _(Cr) +QpBdOffset_(C)

SUMMARY

Current video content is not the same as the SDR content for which the original default SDR Qpc table was designed. As one example, luma and chroma components for SDR and HDR content may be coded using Y′CbCr or ICtCp signal formats. For HDR content, the situation is more complex. HDR content may additionally be coded using HLG or PQ transfer characteristics. It may be beneficial to signal different chroma quantization parameters for different chroma component types and transfer characteristics. It may also be beneficial to signal different chroma quantization parameters for the two different chroma components, Cb and Cr or Ct and Cp. It may also be beneficial to signal chroma quantization parameters in a content-dependent manner. The disclosed methods and devices address the above-mentioned issues and requirements.

Devices and methods according to the present disclosure provide solutions to the problem of deriving chroma QP (QPc) for HDR content. Additionally, devices and methods for signaling such derived chroma QP for HDR are being also disclosed. According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method to decode a coded video bitstream is disclosed, comprising: a) extracting a chroma quantization parameter (Qpc) table mapping luma quantization parameter (Qp) with chroma QP offset values qP(i), to corresponding chroma Qp values Qpc(i), wherein: i) ‘i’ is an index of table entries ranging from startID to endID; ii) startID is an integer greater or equal to 1 and less than N, N being a total number of the Qpc table entries; and iii) endID is an integer greater than startID and 1, and less than or equal to N; and b) generating a decoded output signal based on the extracted Qpc table and the coded video bitstream; wherein, the coded bit stream comprises a table identifier, and wherein: in a first case: the table identifier indicates a presence of a default table; and in a second case: the coded video bitstream further comprises one or more elements signaled in high-level syntax, the one or more elements being coded based on a combination of one of a) two or more chroma Qp values, or b) one or more chroma Qp values with one or more luma Qp with chroma offset values.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method to decode a coded stream of a video signal is disclosed, comprising: extracting from the coded stream, luma quantization parameters (Qps), first chroma component Qps, and second chroma component Qps; and generating the output decoded video signal based on the extracted luma, first and second chroma component Qps and the coded video bitstream; wherein: the coded video stream comprises a plurality of elements signaled in a high-level syntax; the plurality of elements is coded based on a combination of the luma Qps, the first and the second chroma component Qps; the first chroma component Qps are derived based on prediction values of the first chroma component Qps and a bit-depth of a first chroma component samples of the video signal; and the second chroma component Qps are derived based on prediction values of the second chroma component Qps and a bit-depth of a second chroma component samples of the video signal.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of a table containing different values of chroma quantization parameters as a function of the luma quantization parameter.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary HDR Qpc table in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary Qpc table in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A shows an exemplary Qpc table for HDR PQ content type.

FIG. 4B shows an exemplary Qpc table for HDR Hybrid-Long Gamma (HLG) content type.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary SDR Qpc mapping function based on luma quantization parameters.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

Throughout this document, the technical terms used related to video encoding and decoding are defined in accordance with Versatile Vide Coding (Draft 5), document JVET-N1001-v3, Joint Video Experts Team (JVET) of ITU-T SG 16 WP 3 and ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 29/WG 11, 14th Meeting: Geneva, CH, 19-27 Mar. 2019.

Description 1. Deriving Chroma PQ Based on User-Defined Qpc Tables

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, chroma QP for HDR content may be determined using a user-defined Qpc table. FIG. 2 shows Table (200) representing an exemplary HDR Qpc table in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Table (200) serves essentially the same purpose for HDR content that the default SDR Qpc table specified in current VVC serves for SDR content. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed approach based on a user-defined Qpc table for HDR content would unify codec design for all SDR and HDR signal types and leads to more flexible and efficient QP control for future codec development.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the HDR Qpc table as described may be signaled directly in high level syntax such as the video parameter set (VPS), signal parameter set (SPS), PPS, adaptation parameter set (APS), slice header, and SEI message, etc. In order to reduce signaling overhead, and according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, default Qpc tables may be used as normative tables in the standard specification or as non-normative examples in the standard specification.

With reference to FIG. 2, and in SPS, a new syntax element chroma_qp_table_idc may be added. A value of chroma_qp_table_idc equal to 0 refers to the original SDR Qpc table in the VVC specification text, see table (100) in FIG. 1. When the value of chroma_qp_table_idc is equal to 1, it refers to the table (200) of FIG. 2. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the variable chroma_qp_table_idc is an indication of an index to the array of Qpc as a function of qPi for ChromaArrayType equal to 1. The value of chroma_qp_table_idc may be in the range of 0 to 1, inclusive.

In accordance with further embodiments of the present disclosure, either one Qpc table can be signaled and shared by both Cb and Cr, or two separate tables designed for Cb and Cr, respectively, can be signaled. To reduce the signaling overhead, each Qpc table can be differentially coded, approximated with piece-wise linear function, run-length coded, coded with Lempel-Ziv-Welch (LZW) or similar algorithms, or coded with a mixture of the above-mentioned techniques.

The Qpc table described above may be used for HDR content using HLG or PQ transfer characteristic. Referring back to FIGS. 1-2, it is observed from Tables (100, 200), and Qpc tables designed for other content types such as HLG, that some Qpc values are either equal to qPi, or can be derived directly by subtracting a constant value. In order to save coding bits, the range of table elements which need to be signaled in the bitstream can be specified with starting and ending indexes [startID, endID].

In what follows, various methods according to the teachings of the disclosure and for signaling chroma QP values will be described. Throughout the present disclosure, the term “delta Qp, also represented as “dQp”, will be used to describe the difference between two consecutive QP values.

Method 1a

In this method, the difference between two adjacent Qpc entries within [startID, endID] is coded:

dQp _(C)[i]=Qp _(C)[i]−Qp _(C)[i−1]  (1)

In general, SDR and HDR Qpc tables according to the teachings of the present disclosure may only include dQp values of 0 and 1. It is possible to signal the delta QP values directly. Alternatively, codewords can be composed of multiple delta QP values. For example, delta QP values of Cb and Cr pairs having the same index value may be combined. As another example, delta QP values of two sequential index values can be combined for Cb and similarly for Cr. Optionally, sequences of codewords constructed from combinations of delta QP values can further be compressed using methods such as Huffman coding or other lossless compression algorithms. For delta QPc values other than 0 and 1, a maximum delta value may be specified in syntax. In some cases, startID and endID may be constrained to be even or odd values to reduce the number of bits that would need to be signaled.

The following descriptions of further embodiments will focus on the differences between it and the previously described embodiment. Therefore, features which are common to both embodiments will be omitted from the following description, and so it should be assumed that features of the previously described embodiment are or at least can be implemented in the further embodiment, unless the following description thereof requires otherwise.

Method 1b

In this method, the difference value between each pair of {qPi, Qpc} within [startID, endID] may be coded:

dQp[i]=qPi[i]−Qpc[i]  (2)

The delta QP values between qPi and Qpc may be within a range from 0 to 18. This indicates that method la may be more coding friendly than method 1b.

Method 1c

This method is based on fitting the Qpc mapping curve from qPi through a piecewise-linear function defined as:

${{Qpc}\lbrack i\rbrack} = \left\{ {{{\begin{matrix} {qPi} & {i < {startID}} \\ {{round}\left( {{\alpha*{qPi}} + \beta} \right)} & {i \in \left\lbrack {{startID},{endID}} \right\rbrack} \\ {{qPi} - {offset}} & {i > {endID}} \end{matrix}{where}\alpha} = \frac{{{Qpc}\lbrack{endID}\rbrack} - {{Qpc}\lbrack{startID}\rbrack}}{{{qPi}\lbrack{endID}\rbrack} - {{qPi}\lbrack{startiD}\rbrack}}},{\beta = \frac{{{{Qpc}\lbrack{startID}\rbrack}*{{qPi}\lbrack{endID}\rbrack}} - {{{Qpc}\lbrack{endID}\rbrack}*{{qPi}\lbrack{startID}\rbrack}}}{{{qPi}\lbrack{emdID}\rbrack} - {{qPi}\lbrack{startID}\rbrack}}}} \right.$

Method 1d

In this method, run-length coding may be used to code the dQpc[i] values defined in formula (1). Referring to Table (100) of FIG. 1, as an example, the delta Qp values are derived as a series of 0 and 1. Delta values (0 or 1 along with the count of consequent values may be coded. FIG. 3 shows a table (300) which is an exemplary illustration of a Qpc table based on this method.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, one default Qpc table may be pre-defined for each of different signal types such as SDR, PQ and HLG content. FIGS. 4A-4B shows tables (400A, 400B) representing exemplary Qpc tables for HDR PQ and HLG content respectively. If the user-defined Qp_(C) table is not present, the encoder and decoder may apply the default Qp_(C) table instead. Embodiments according to the present disclosure may be envisaged wherein user-defined Qp_(C) are not signalled. This approach has the benefit of saving more bits.

The following table corresponds to method la above, showing an exemplary syntax of raw byte sequence payload (RBSB) for an SPS and Tile Group header, where the syntax elements in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure are depicted in an Italic font in contrast with other existing syntax elements. This is followed by detailed description of various syntax elements. A default QPc table may be specified in SPS by signalling a default Qpc table type index. If the default table is not provided, the pre-defined Qpc table may be sent in SPS with delta QP values between two adjacent table elements. One or more alternative QPc tables for use in a slice may be signalled in PPS to override the SPS Qpc table.

Descriptor seq_parameter_set_rbsp( ) {  sps_decoding_parameter_set_id u(4)  ......  sps _(—) default _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) flag u(1)  if( sps _(—) default _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) flag ) {   default _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) type _(—) idx u(2)  }  else {   sps _(—) separate _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) enable _(—) flag u(1)   sps _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) start _(—) index _(—) div2 u(5)   sps _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) end _(—) index _(—) div2 u(5)   for( i = sps _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) start _(—) index _(—) div2*2; i <= sps _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) end _(—) index _(—) div2*2; i++ ) {    sps _(—) cb _(—) qp _(—) delta[i] u(1)   }   if( sps _(—) separate _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) enable _(—) flag ) {    for( i = sps _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) start _(—) index _(—) div2*2; i <= sps _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) end _(—) index _(—) div2*2; i++ ) {     sps _(—) cr _(—) qp _(—) delta[i] u(1)    }   }  }  ...... } pic_parameter_set_rbsp( ) {  pps_pic_parameter_set_id ue(v)  pps_seq_parameter_set_id ue(v)  ......  init_qp_minus26 se(v)  cu_qp_delta_enabled_flag u(1)  if( cu_qp_delta_enabled_flag )   cu_qp_delta_subdiv ue(v)  pps_cb_qp_offset se(v)  pps_cr_qp_offset se(v)  pps _(—) slice _(—) chroma _(—) qp _(—) offsets _(—) present _(—) flag u(1)  if(!sps _(—) default _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) flag ) {   pps _(—) slice _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) present _(—) flag u(1)  }  ...... } slice_header( ) {  slice_pic_parameter_set_id ue(v)  ......  slice_qp_delta se(v)  if( pps_slice_chroma_qp_offsets_present_flag ) {   slice_cb_qp_offset se(v)   slice_cr_qp_offset se(v)  }  if( pps _(—) slice _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) present _(—) flag ) {   for( i = sps _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) start _(—) index _(—) div2*2; i <= sps _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) end _(—) index _(—) div2*2; i++ ) {    slice _(—) cb _(—) qp _(—) delta[i] u(1)   }   if( sps _(—) separate _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) enable _(—) flag ) {    for( i = sps _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) start _(—) index _(—) div2*2; i <= sps _(—) qpc _(—) table _(—) end _(—) index _(—) div2*2; i++ ) {     slice _(—) cr _(—) qp _(—) delta[i] u(1)    }   }  }  ...... }

sps_default_qpc_table_flag equal to 1 specifies that a default chroma quantization parameter table shall be used and thus there is no need to send the Qpc table. Instead, an index is signaled to indicate which default Qpc table is to be used. sps_default_qpc_table_flag equal to 0 specifies that default Qpc tables have not been defined and need to be sent in SPS.

default_qpc_table_type_idx indicates which default QpC table to use when sps_default_qpc_table_flag equal to 1. default_qpc_table_type_idx equal to 0 and pps_slice_qpc_table_present_flag equal to 0 indicates that one or more default SDR QpC tables shall be used. default_qpc_table_type_idx equal to 1 and pps_slice_qpc_table_present_flag equal to 0 indicates that one or more HDR PQ QpC tables shall be used. default_qpc_table_type_idx equal to 2 and pps_slice_qpc_table_present_flag equal to 0 indicates that one or more default HLG QpC tables shall be used. default_qpc_table_type_idx equal to 3 is reserved for future use.

sps_separate_qpc_table_enable_flag equal to 1 specifies that Cb and Cr use separate QpC tables. sps_cr_qp_delta[i] and sps_cr_qp_gap_idx are defined and signaled in SPS, slice_cr_qp_delta[i] and slice_cr_qp_gap_idx are defined in slice header. sps_separate_qpc_table_enable_flag equal to 0 specifies that Cb and Cr use the same QpC table.

sps_qpc_table_start_index_div2 specifies the starting index from which the QpC table elements should be signaled with the delta QP values. It is defined as an even number between 0 to 63. For table elements with index less than sps_qpc_table_start_index_div2*2, QpC is set to be same as qPi.

sps_qpc_table_end_index_div2 specifies the ending index before which the QpC table elements should be signaled with the delta QP values. It is defined as an even number between 0 to 63. For table elements with index greater than sps_qpc_table_end_index_div2*2, sps_cb_qp_delta[i] and sps_cr_qp_delta[i] are set to 1.

sps_cb_qp_delta[i] specifies the delta values between spsQpcb[i] and spsQpcb[i−1], with sps_cb_qp_delta[0], to construct the quantization parameter table for Cb defined in SPS. The ith entry of the Cb quantization parameter table in SPS is derived as: spsQpcb[i]=sps_cb_qp_delta[i]+spsQpcb[i−1].

sps_cr_qp_delta[i] specifies the delta values between spsQper[i] and spsQper[i−1], with sps_cr_qp_delta[0], to construct the quantization parameter table for Cr defined in SPS. The ith entry of the Cr quantization parameter table in SPS is derived as: spsQper[i]=sps_cr_qp_delta[i]+spsQper[i−1].

pps_slice_qpc_table_present_flag equal to 1 specifies that quantization parameter tables for Cb and Cr components for the current slice are present and defined in slice header. pps_slice_qpc_table_present_flag equal to 0 specifies that quantization parameter tables for Cb and Cr components for the current slice are not present in slice header and default quantization parameter tables are applied for Cb and Cr.

slice_cb_qp_delta[i] specifies the delta values between sliceQpcb[i] and sliceQpcb[i−1], with slice_cb_qp_delta[0], to construct the slice quantization parameter table for Cb. The ith entry of the slice QpC table for Cb component is derived as: sliceQpcb[i]=slice_cb_qp_delta[i]+sliceQpcb[i−1].

slice_cr_qp_delta[i] is defined when sps_separate_qpc_table_enable_flag equal to 1 specifing the delta values between sliceQper[i] and sliceQper[i−1], with slice_cr_qp_delta[0], to construct the slice quantization parameter table for Cr. The ith entry of the slice QpC table for Cr component is derived as: sliceQper[i]=slice_cr_qp_delta[i]+sliceQper[i−1].

2. Deriving the Chroma QP Independently from the Luma QP

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, luma and chroma Qps may be signaled independently. Such an approach has the benefit of eliminating the dependency of the chroma QP on the luma QP. In what follows, derivation of the chroma QP in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is described in detail,

The initial values of the chroma quantization parameter for the slice, SliceQpCb and SliceQpCr, may be derived as follows:

SliceQpCb=26+init_qp_minus26+slice_cb_qp_delta   (3)

SliceQpCr=26+init_qp_minus26+slice_cr_qp_delta   (4)

qP_(Cb_PREV) and qP_(Cr_PREV) are set equal to SliceQp_(Cb) and SliceQp_(Cr) respectively if the current quantization group is the first quantization group in a slice or brick. Otherwise, qP_(Cb_PREV) and qP_(Cr_PREV) are set equal to the chroma quantization parameter Qp_(C) of the last chroma coding unit in the previous quantization group in decoding order.

qP_(Cb_PRED) and qP_(Cr_PRED) are the predicted chroma quantization parameters for current coding unit. If the current quantization group is the first quantization group in a CTB row within a brick and the top coding unit is available, set qP_(Cb_PRED) and qP_(Cr_PRED) to be Qpc of the top CU, otherwise,

qP _(Cb_PRED)=(qP _(Cb_A))+qP _(Cb_B)+1)>>1   (5)

qP _(Cr_PRED)=(qP _(Cr_A)+qP _(Cr_B)+1)>>1   (6)

where qP_(Cb_A) and qP_(Cr_A) are set to be qP_(Cb_PREV) and qP_(Cr_PREV) respectively if the left coding block is not the first coding block in the left quantization group or if the left coding block is not available; qP_(Cb_B) and qP_(Cr_B) are set to be qP_(Cb_PREV) and qP_(Cr_PREV) respectively if the top coding block is not the first coding block in the top quantization group or if the top coding block is not available.

The variable QpCb and QpCr for each coding unit may be derived as follows:

QpCb=((qPCb_PRED+CuCbQpDeltaVal+64+2*QpBdOffsetC)%(64+QpBdOffsetC))−QpBdOffsetC   (7)

QpCr=((qPCr_PRED+CuCrQpDeltaVal+64+2*QpBdOffsetC)%(64+QpBdOffsetC))−QpBdOffsetC   (8)

The chroma quantization parameter Qp′_(Cb) and Qp′_(Cr) are then derived as follows:

Qp′ _(Cb) =Qp _(Cb) +QpBdOffset_(C)   (9)

Qp′ _(Cr) =Qp _(Cr) +QpBdOffset_(C)   (10)

The difference values between the quantization parameter of the current coding unit and its prediction, CuCbQpDeltaVal and CuCrQpDeltaVal, may be specified at the transform unit layer. There are several ways to code the delta QP values:

In what follows, exemplary methods in accordance with the teaching of the present disclosure will be described. Also, the difference between the QP of each color component (e.g., luma, chroma Cb, and chromo Cr) and a predicted value of the same is abbreviated as dPQ′ to distinguish from dPQ which indicates, as described previously, the difference of consecutive QPs in the context of Qpc tables.

Method 2a

In this method, the dQP's of the three color components, luma, chroma Cb and chroma Cr, as represented by the variables CuQpDeltaVal, CuCbQpDeltaVal and CuCrQpDeltaVal respectively, are coded.

The following descriptions of further embodiments will focus on the differences between it and the previously described embodiment. Therefore, features which are common to both embodiments will be omitted from the following description, and so it should be assumed that features of the previously described embodiment are or at least can be implemented in the further embodiment, unless the following description thereof requires otherwise.

Method 2b

In this method, the dQP′ of the luma component, CuQpDeltaVal is coded. Additionally, the difference between the dQp′ of each chroma component with the luma dQp′ is coded according to the following:

CbdQpDeltaVal=CuCbQpDeltaVal−CuQpDeltaVal   (11)

CrdQpDeltaVal=CuCrQpDeltaVal−CuQpDeltaVal   (12)

Method 2c

In this method, the element CrCbdQpDeltaVal as defined below

CrCbdQpDeltaVal=CuCrQpDeltaVal−CuCbQpDeltaVal   (13)

is coded, wherein elements CuCrQpDeltaVal and CuCbQpDeltaVal have the same definition as in the case of Method 2c described above.

Method 2d

In this method, the element CrCbdQpDeltaVal as defined below

CrCbdQpDeltaVal=CuCrQpDeltaVal−CuCbQpDeltaVal

is coded, wherein elements CuCrQpDeltaVal and CuCbQpDeltaVal have the same definition as in the case of Method 2c described above.

Method 2e

In this method, difference values from chroma QP and luma QP, defined as

dQp′ _(Cb) =Qp′ _(Y) −Qp′ _(Cb)   (14)

dQp′ _(Cr) =Qp′ _(Y) −Qp′ _(Cr)   (15)

are coded. Signaling for Method 2e is similar as Method 2a, without requiring to signal slice_cb_qp_delta and slice_cr_qp_delta (see below) in the slice header.

The following table corresponds to method 2a above, showing an exemplary syntax of raw byte sequence payload (RBSB) for an SPS and Tile Group header, where the syntax elements in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure are depicted in italics in contrast with other existing syntax elements. This is followed by detailed description of various syntax elements.

Descriptor pic_parameter_set_rbsp( ) {  pps_pic_parameter_set_id ue(v)  pps_seq_parameter_set_id ue(v)  ......  init_qp_minus26 se(v)  cu_qp_delta_enabled_flag u(1)  if( cu_qp_delta_enabled_flag )   cu_qp_delta_subdiv ue(v) cu _(—) chroma _(—) qp _(—) delta _(—) enabled _(—) flag u(1)  ...... }

Descriptor slice_header( ) {  slice_pic_parameter_set_id ue(v)  ......  slice_qp_delta se(v)  if(cu _(—) chroma _(—) qp _(—) delta _(—) enabled _(—) flag) {  slice _(——) cb _(—) qp _(—) delta se(v)  slice _(——) cr _(—) qp _(—) delta se(v)  }  ...... }

Descriptor transform_unit( x0, y0, tbWidth, tbHeight, treeType, subTuIndex ) {  ......  if( ( tu_cbf_luma[ x0 ][ y0 ] | | tu_cbf_cb[ x0 ][ y0 ] | | tu_cbf_cr[ x0 ][ y0 ] ) &&   treeType != DUAL_TREE_CHROMA ) { if( cu_qp_delta_enabled_flag &&tu _(—) cbf _(—) luma[ x0 ][ y0 ] && !IsCuQpDeltaCoded ) {    cu_qp_delta_abs ae(v)    if( cu_qp_delta_abs )      cu_qp_delta_sign_flag ae(v)   }   if( cu _(—) chroma _(—) qp _(—) delta _(—) enabled _(—) flag && tu _(—) cbf _(—) cb[ x0 ][ y0 ] &&     !IsCuCbQpDeltaCoded ) {   cu _(—) cb _(—) qp _(—) delta _(—) abs ae(v)   if( cu _(—) cb _(—) qp _(—) delta _(—) abs )  cu _(—) cb _(—) qp _(—) delta _(—) sign _(—) flag ae(v)  }   if( cu _(—) chroma _(—) qp _(—) delta _(—) enabled _(—) flag && tu _(—) cbf _(—) cr[ x0 ][ y0 ] &&     !IsCuCrQpDeltaCoded ) {  cu _(—) cr _(—) qp _(—) delta _(—) abs ae(v)  if( cu _(—) cr _(—) qp _(—) delta _(—) abs )  cu _(—) cr _(—) qp _(—) delta _(—) sign _(—) flag ae(v)  }  }  ...... }

Descriptor dual_tree_implicit_qt_split( x0, y0, cbSize, cqtDepth ) {  cbSubdiv = 2 * cqtDepth  if( cbSize > 64 ) {   if( cu_qp_delta_enabled_flag && cbSubdiv <= cu_qp_delta_subdiv ) {    IsCuQpDeltaCoded = 0    CuQpDeltaVal = 0    CuQgTopLeftX = x0    CuQgTopLeftY = y0   }   if( cu _(—) chroma _(—) qp _(—) delta _(—) enabled _(—) flag &&    cbSubdiv <= cu _(—) qp _(—) delta _(—) subdiv ) {  IsCuCbQpDeltaCoded = 0  IsCuCrQpDeltaCoded = 0  CuCbQpDeltaVal = 0  CuCrQpDeltaVal = 0  }   ......  } else {   coding_tree( x0, y0, cbSize, cbSize, 1, cbSubdiv, cqtDepth, 0, 0, 0,     DUAL_TREE_LUMA )   coding_tree( x0, y0, cbSize, cbSize, 0, cbSubdiv, cqtDepth, 0, 0, 0,     DUAL_TREE_CHROMA )  } }

Descriptor coding_tree( x0, y0, cbWidth, cbHeight, qgOn, cbSubdiv, cqtDepth, mttDepth, dep thOffset, partIdx, treeType ) {  ......  if( cu_qp_delta_enabled_flag && qgOn && cbSubdiv <= cu_qp_delta_subdiv ) {   IsCuQpDeltaCoded = 0   CuQpDeltaVal = 0   CuQgTopLeftX = x0   CuQgTopLeftY = y0  }  if( cu _(—) chroma _(—) qp _(—) delta _(—) enabled _(—) flag && qgOn &&    cbSubdiv <= cu _(—) qp _(—) delta _(—) subdiv ) {  IsCuCbQpDeltaCoded = 0  IsCuCrQpDeltaCoded = 0  CuCbQpDeltaVal = 0  CuCrQpDeltaVal = 0  }  ...... }

The methods and systems described in the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof. Features described as blocks, modules or components may be implemented together (e.g., in a logic device such as an integrated logic device) or separately (e.g., as separate connected logic devices). The software portion of the methods of the present disclosure may comprise a computer-readable medium which comprises instructions that, when executed, perform, at least in part, the described methods. The computer-readable medium may comprise, for example, a random-access memory (RAM) and/or a read-only memory (ROM). The instructions may be executed by a processor (e.g., a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable logic array (FPGA), a graphic processing unit (GPU) or a general-purpose GPU).

A number of embodiments of the disclosure have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

The examples set forth above are provided to those of ordinary skill in the art as a complete disclosure and description of how to make and use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventor/inventors regard as their disclosure.

Modifications of the above-described modes for carrying out the methods and systems herein disclosed that are obvious to persons of skill in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. All patents and publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains. All references cited in this disclosure are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference had been incorporated by reference in its entirety individually.

It is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to particular methods or systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term “plurality” includes two or more referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains. 

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A method to decode a coded video bitstream with a processor, the method comprising: extracting from the coded video bitstream syntax elements to determine a chroma quantization parameter (Qpc) table mapping luma quantization parameter (QP) values qP(i) to corresponding chroma QP values Qpc(i), wherein ‘i’ denotes an index value in the Qpc table ranging from an integer start-index value startID to an integer end-index value endID, wherein the syntax elements comprise: the integer start-index value startID of the Qpc table; a starting mapped chroma QP value Qpc(startID) for a starting input luma QP value qP(startID); and one or more delta-Qpc values dQpc(i), wherein for two consecutive index values, i−1 and i, a delta-Qpc value dQpc(i) denotes the difference dQpc(i)=Qpc(i)−Qpc(i−1); and generating a decoded output signal based on the determined Qpc table and the coded video bitstream.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein a video signal corresponding to the coded video bitstream comprises a first chroma component and a second chroma component.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the syntax elements comprise a flag indicating whether the first chroma component and the second chroma component share the same Qpc table or whether the first chroma component and the second chroma component have different Qpc tables.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the syntax elements further comprise Qpc table parameters to map the luma QP values to the chroma QP values using a piece-wise linear representation.
 23. The method of claim 19, wherein the end-index value endID is determined based on endID=startID+N, wherein N denotes a total number of elements in the Qpc table.
 24. An encoded video stream comprising: an encoded picture section including an encoded sequence of video pictures; and a signaling section including encoded syntax elements to determine a chroma quantization parameter (Qpc) table mapping luma quantization parameter (QP) values qP(i) to corresponding chroma QP values Qpc(i), wherein ‘i’ denotes an index value in the Qpc table ranging from an integer start-index value startID to an integer end-index value endID, wherein the syntax elements comprise: the integer start-index value startID of the Qpc table; a starting mapped chroma QP value Qpc(startID) for a starting input luma QP value qP(startID); and one or more delta-Qpc values dQpc(i), wherein for two consecutive index values, i−1 and i, a delta-Qpc value dQpc(i) denotes the difference dQpc(i)=Qpc(i)−Qpc(i−1).
 25. The encoded video stream of claim 24, wherein a video signal corresponding to the encoded video bitstream comprises a first chroma component and a second chroma component.
 26. The encoded video stream of claim 25, wherein the syntax elements comprise a flag indicating whether the first chroma component and the second chroma component share the same Qpc table or whether the first chroma component and the second chroma component have different Qpc tables.
 27. The encoded video stream of claim 24, wherein the syntax elements further comprise Qpc table parameters to map the luma QP values to the chroma QP values using a piece-wise linear representation.
 28. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon the encoded video stream of claim
 24. 29. A method to encode a sequence of video pictures to generate a coded video bitstream, the method comprising: encoding the sequence of video pictures using luma quantization parameters and chroma quantization parameters; and signaling in the coded video bitstream syntax elements for a decoder to determine a chroma quantization parameter (Qpc) table mapping luma quantization parameter (QP) values qP(i) to corresponding chroma QP values Qpc(i), wherein ‘i’ denotes an index value in the Qpc table ranging from an integer start-index value startID to an integer end-index value endID, wherein the syntax elements comprise: the integer start-index value startID of the Qpc table; a starting mapped chroma QP value Qpc(startID) for a starting input luma QP value qP(startID); and one or more delta-Qpc values dQpc(i), wherein for two consecutive index values, i−1 and i, a delta-Qpc value dQpc(i) denotes the difference dQpc(i)=Qpc(i)−Qpc(i−1).
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein a video signal corresponding to the coded video bitstream comprises a first chroma component and a second chroma component.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the syntax elements comprise a flag indicating whether the first chroma component and the second chroma component share the same Qpc table or whether the first chroma component and the second chroma component have different Qpc tables.
 32. The method of claim 29, wherein the syntax elements further comprise Qpc table parameters to map the luma QP values to the chroma QP values using a piece-wise linear representation.
 33. An apparatus comprising a processor configured to perform the method of claim
 19. 